Beam-Steering Conformal Antenna Array Integrated with Flexible LoRa Electronics for Lightweight Satellite Communication

Start date: 1 September 2025
End date: 31 March 2026
Funder: UK Space Agency (International Bilateral Fund – Call 2)
Value: £150,000
Partners and collaborators: University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications | Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research (ACSER), UNSW Sydney
Primary investigator: Dr Nutapong Somjit
Co-investigators (additional Faculties): Prof Yu Shi – Centre for Technical Textiles, School of Design, University of Leeds
External co-investigators: Prof. Binghao Li – School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW Sydney

This project aims to develop a lightweight communication platform that can operate on curved or irregular surfaces, suitable for use on next-generation small satellite structures and mobile aerospace platforms. The system integrates a surface-mounted communication layer with a supporting composite structure, allowing communication capability to become part of the external shell rather than requiring external protruding hardware.

This approach reduces mass and volume while improving aerodynamic efficiency and surface utilisation. The work is arranged across several coordinated work packages.

First, the communication surface will be designed conceptually and modelled to evaluate its performance characteristics under different physical shapes. In parallel, printed electronic interconnects and elements will be developed using flexible substrates that are compatible with curved geometries.

Once baseline designs are established, the focus will move toward integration with composite structures that are commonly used in low-mass aerospace and satellite applications. Particular attention will be given to ensuring that integration does not compromise structural integrity or communication behaviour.

Following integration, the system will be tested in controlled laboratory environments to assess communication reliability, physical robustness, and consistency of operation when the supporting structure experiences deformation or mechanical stress. These tests will help determine the suitability of the platform for realistic conditions encountered in launch and on-orbit environments.

The project brings together expertise in communication hardware, materials engineering, and printed electronics. The University of Leeds will lead the development of the communication surface and integration with composite structures, while UNSW Sydney will lead protocol development, link evaluation, and communication-level testing.

The outcomes will include demonstration prototypes, performance evaluations, and a foundation for future higher-readiness development. The project is designed to support subsequent funding stages aimed at deploying the technology in more advanced test environments, ultimately enabling lightweight and structurally integrated communication systems for emerging space and aerospace applications.